Methods and apparatus for segmented machines having mechanically and electrically removable machine segments

ABSTRACT

In some embodiments, a system includes a machine segment that includes multiple coils. Each coil is electrically isolated from the other coils in the machine segment, and each coil is electrically coupled to at least one electrical terminal to provide electrical access to the coil. Each electrical terminal provides electrical access to the coil to which it is electrically coupled such that the coil can be removably electrically coupled to an electrical circuit. The machine segment is also configured to be removably mechanically coupled to a second machine segment to form at least a portion of a stator or a portion of a rotor.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/269,674, filed May 5, 2014, and entitled “Methods and Apparatus forSegmenting a Machine,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to methods and apparatus for segmenting amachine.

In systems that include a power converter, it can be advantageous toconnect multiple converters in parallel to, for example, achieve higheraccrued power using relatively small power converters or to achievesystem redundancy. There can be disadvantages, however, to such asystem. For example, circulating electrical currents can result fromeven minor imbalances between converter and/or machine operation.Circulating currents generally do not produce any useful power and/ortorque and can cause overheating of the converters and the associatedelectric machine. Additionally, some known segmented machines do notprovide modular segments. For example, the segments are mechanicallycoupled within the machine and do not allow the segment to be easilyremoved without disassembling large portions of the machine. Similarly,the electrical connections can be difficult to disconnect to allow thesegment to be moved or replaced.

Thus, there is a need for improved systems to reduce circulatingcurrents and increase the modular aspects of segments in electricmachines.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a system includes a machine segment that includesmultiple coils. Each coil is electrically isolated from the other coilsin the machine segment, and each coil is electrically coupled to atleast one electrical terminal to provide electrical access to the coil.Each electrical terminal provides electrical access to the coil to whichit is electrically coupled such that the coil can be removablyelectrically coupled to an electrical circuit. The machine segment isalso configured to be removably mechanically coupled to a second machinesegment to form at least a portion of a stator or a portion of a rotor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of a laminatedcomposite assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2a illustrates a portion of a laminated composite assembly of anelectrical machine, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2b illustrates a portion of a wave configuration of a winding,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3a illustrates a schematic view of a segmented multi-phase machine,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3b illustrates a schematic view of a multi-phase machine havingmultiple power converters.

FIGS. 4a-4f illustrate machine segments, each according to anembodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates multiple machine segments, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an axial flux machinestructure, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some embodiments, a system includes a machine segment that includesmultiple coils. Each coil is electrically isolated from the other coilsin the machine segment, and each coil is electrically coupled to atleast one electrical terminal to provide electrical access to the coil.Each electrical terminal provides electrical access to the coil to whichit is electrically coupled such that the coil can be removablyelectrically coupled to an electrical circuit. The machine segment isalso configured to be removably mechanically coupled to a second machinesegment to form at least a portion of a stator or a portion of a rotor.

In some embodiments, a system includes a conductor that forms a coil ina first machine segment of a multi-phase machine. The conductor isassociated with an electrical phase of the multi-phase machine. Theconductor is electrically coupled to a first terminal having a firstpolarity in the first machine segment. The first terminal is associatedwith the same electrical phase as the conductor and is physically andelectrically accessible external to the first machine segment. Theconductor is also electrically coupled to a second terminal having asecond polarity that is substantially opposite the first polarity in thefirst machine segment. The second terminal is associated with the sameelectrical phase as the conductor and is physically and electricallyaccessible external to the first machine segment. The first machinesegment is configured to be mechanically removably coupled to a secondmachine segment to form at least a portion of a stator or a portion of arotor.

In some embodiments, a system includes a machine segment that hasmultiple electrical terminals and multiple coils. Each coil does notintersect the other coils within the machine segment, and each coil iselectrically coupled to at least one unique electrical terminal toprovide electrical access to the coil. When the machine segment is in afirst configuration (e.g., associated with a first machine and/or afirst electrical configuration), the machine segment is configured to beremovably electrically coupled and/or removably mechanically coupled toan electrical circuit through the multiple electrical terminals. When ina second configuration (e.g., associated with a second machine and/or asecond electrical configuration), the machine segment is configured tobe removably electrically coupled and/or removably mechanically coupledto a second, distinct electrical circuit through the multiple electricalterminals.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, forexample, the term “a coil” is intended to mean a single coil or acombination of coils.

As used herein, the term “geometrically parallel” generally describes arelationship between two geometric constructions (e.g., two lines, twoplanes, a line and a plane or the like) in which the two geometricconstructions are substantially non-intersecting as they extendsubstantially to infinity. For example, as used herein, a line is saidto be geometrically parallel to another line when the lines do notintersect as they extend to infinity. Similarly, when a planar surface(i.e., a two-dimensional surface) is said to be geometrically parallelto a line, every point along the line is spaced apart from the nearestportion of the surface by a substantially equal distance. Two geometricconstructions are described herein as being “geometrically parallel” or“substantially geometrically parallel” to each other when they arenominally parallel to each other, such as for example, when they areparallel to each other within a tolerance. Such tolerances can include,for example, manufacturing tolerances, measurement tolerances, or thelike.

As used herein, when implemented in a radial machine, parallel layersmay form non-intersecting arcs that have an axis of rotationsubstantially equal to the center of rotation for the radial machine.Furthermore, in some embodiments, operative conductors (e.g., a portionin which voltage is induced when exposed to an alternating magneticfield or a portion in which electrical current is provided to define amagnetic field, as described with respect to FIG. 6) that are describedas parallel in a radial machine or an axial machine can be geometricallyparallel as described above. Alternatively, in other embodiments,operative conductors that are described as parallel in a radial machineor an axial machine can be disposed in a radial direction. Conductorsdisposed in a radial direction can be non-intersecting within themachine.

As used herein, the term “electrically coupled in parallel” generallydescribes an electrical connection between two or more conductors inwhich the operating electrical current from an input region divides at afirst point of common connection into each conductor beforesubstantially recombining at a second point of common connection to anoutput region. Similarly stated, the two or more conductors areconsidered to be combined in an electrically parallel configuration.Conductors that are electrically coupled in parallel can be, but neednot be, geometrically parallel. Similarly, geometrically parallelconductors can be, but need not be, electrically coupled in parallel.Furthermore, when two or more conductors are electrically coupled inparallel, a circulating electrical current can flow through theconductors such that the circulating electrical current flows in acircular pattern without passing through an input or output region,unlike operating current, which passes from an input region to an outputregion. Similarly stated, the circulating current in two or moreconductors that are electrically coupled in parallel flows in onedirection in at least one of the conductors and in the substantiallyopposite direction through at least one of the other conductors. In someinstances, circulating currents flowing in parallel conductors can besuperimposed in combination with an operative current flowing throughparallel conductors, such that the net electrical current flows in adirection, with some conductors carrying more or less electrical currentin that direction than in an instance of a conductor not experiencingcirculating currents. Although the net electrical current passingthrough the parallel conductors in a direction can be the same in bothinstances, the imbalance of current between conductors that areelectrically coupled in parallel can cause excessive heating, excessivetemperatures, and other undesirable phenomenon.

As used herein, the term “electrically isolated” generally describes arelationship between two conductors within an area and/or volume.Specifically, if a first conductor is electrically isolated from asecond conductor within an area, the first conductor does not intersector otherwise have a substantial means of conducting electrical currentwith the second conductor within that area. The first conductor may,however, intersect or have a means of conducting electrical current withthe second conductor outside the area. For example, two conductors canbe electrically isolated from each other and/or non-intersecting withina winding region but electrically coupled to each other within aterminal region.

As used herein, the term “removably electrically coupled” generallyrefers to two or more electrically conductive components (e.g.,conductors) that are coupled in such a way as to facilitate electricalconductivity between the components while simultaneously being coupledin such a way as to allow for electrical uncoupling withoutsubstantially destructing the components or segment of the machine inwhich the components reside. Stated another way, the electricalcomponents can be electrically coupled in such a way that facilitateselectrical connection and disconnection. Such a connection can include,for example, a pin and socket, a connector and receptacle, a plug, aspring-loaded connection, a louvered connection, a bolted connection, ascrew terminal, and/or any other suitable construct that facilitatesconnection, disconnection, and reconnection as it relates to electricalconductivity. Such a connection construct can be chosen to facilitate,for example, installation, assembly, disassembly, reconnection,servicing, replacement, and/or the like.

As used herein, the term “removably mechanically coupled” generallyrefers to two or more components (e.g., machine segments) that arecoupled in such a way as to allow for mechanical uncoupling of the twocomponents without substantially destructing the components or portionof the machine in which they reside. Stated another way, the componentscan be coupled in such a way as to facilitate mechanical connection anddisconnection. Such a connection can include, for example, the use ofbolts, screws, or other fasteners; slotted interfaces; dovetailedinterfaces; and/or any other suitable construct that facilitatesmechanical connection, disconnection, and/or reconnection. Such aconnection construct can be chosen to facilitate, for example,installation, assembly, disassembly, reconnection, servicing,replacement, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, components that are removably electrically coupledand removably mechanically coupled can use substantially the sameconstruct for each, or use separate constructs for each. For example, abolted connection between two components can be used to provide bothelectrical coupling and mechanical coupling. For another example, aslotted connection can be used to provide mechanical coupling and a plugand socket arrangement can be used to provide electrical coupling.

As used herein, the term “layer” generally describes a linear and/ornon-linear two dimensional geometric construct and/or surface. Forexample, a layer can be a plane defined by multiple points on aconductor. As another example, a layer may be a non-planar constructdefined by a non-planar portion of a laminated composite assembly. Thelayer may extend to infinity. Thus, if a first layer is substantiallygeometrically parallel to a second layer, the areas within and/ordefined by the layers do not intersect as the layers extend to infinity.As described herein, a first non-linear layer is said to begeometrically parallel to a second non-linear layer if the first layerand the second layer do not intersect as the layers extend to infinity.Said another way, a first non-linear layer is said to be geometricallyparallel to a second non-linear layer if a distance between the firstlayer and the second layer along a line normal to each layer (or normalto a line tangent to the point of intersection at each layer) issubstantially constant. For yet another example, a planar and/ornon-planar surface of a laminated composite assembly can also bereferred to as a layer.

The embodiments described herein relate generally to conductive windingsdisposed on or included in a laminated composite assembly. As describedin detail herein, a laminated composite assembly can be used to supporta portion of an electronic circuit. For example, at least a portion ofthe laminated composite assembly (also referred to herein as “assembly”)can form a portion of an integrated circuit (IC), a printed circuitboard (PCB), a PCB assembly, an application-specific integrated circuit(ASIC), or any other suitable electronic circuit support structure. Theassemblies described herein can include any suitable number ofconducting layers that are separated by an electric insulator configuredto substantially prevent electrical current from flowing between theconducting layers except in areas where the insulator is intentionallyremoved or otherwise displaced in order to allow such an electricalcurrent to flow, such as in the case of an electrical interconnect. Inother embodiments, the arrangements and methods described herein can beapplied to, for example, wire-wound coils of an electromagnetic machineand/or iron-core electromagnetic machines, where the wire-wound coilsand/or coupled circuits include conductors electrically connected inparallel that form a conductive loop that could permit circulatingcurrents and their associated electrical losses.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of a portion of a laminatedcomposite assembly 100 having insulators 105, cores 120, conductors 110,an electrical interconnect 115, and layers 125, 130, and 135. Laminatedcomposite assembly 100 can be used to support a portion of an electriccircuit including electrical conductors. For example, the portion oflaminated composite assembly 100 can be a portion of an integratedcircuit (“IC”), a printed circuit board (“PCB”), a PCB assembly, anapplication-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), or any other suitableelectric circuit support structure.

Insulators 105 can be any suitable insulating material, such as, forexample, epoxy, plastic, varnish, fiberglass, cotton, silicon, mica,and/or the like. Insulators 105 can be any material that cansubstantially electrically isolate a conductor 110 from otherelectrically operative components of the circuit (e.g., other conductors110). For example, in FIG. 1 insulators 105 are disposed betweenconductors 110 to substantially prevent electrical current flow betweenthe conductors (i.e., electrically isolate) except in areas where theinsulator has been selectively removed or otherwise displaced to allowelectrical current to flow between conductors, such as with electricalinterconnect 115.

Conductors 110 can be any material configured to carry electricalcurrent and/or that allows electrical current to flow. For example,conductors 110 can be copper, silver, aluminum, gold, zinc, tin,tungsten, graphite, conductive polymer, and/or any other suitableconductive material, including alloys, mixtures, and/or othercombinations of the same. Conductors 110 can form part of the circuit oflaminated composite assembly 100. In a circuit, a conductor 110 can beused to provide electrical conductivity between components and allow theflow of electrical current through the circuit. When, however, multiplelayers (e.g., layers 125, 130, 135) are used in a laminated compositeassembly, conductors on each layer generally do not have electricalcurrent flow between each other unless some form of electricalinterconnect is used (e.g., electrical interconnect 115) because theconductors are separated by electrically insulating material (e.g.,insulators 105 or cores 120) that are intended to substantially preventelectrical current from flowing through the material to other conductivecomponents.

Electrical interconnect 115 can be an electrical via, a solid electricalinterconnect, a pressed pin electrical interconnect, a plated electricalinterconnect that defines a lumen, a projection and/or protrusion from aconductive layer, and/or any other connection capable of providingelectrical conductivity between layers of laminated composite assembly100. In the case that electrical interconnect 115 defines a lumen, thelumen can remain empty (e.g., a cavity having air), be filled with anon-conductive material, or be filled with a conductive material.Electrical interconnect 115 is an electrically conductive component of acircuit that allows electrical current to flow between the layers oflaminated composite assembly 100. As noted above, the conductors 110 ondifferent layers of laminated composite assembly 100 are substantiallyelectrically isolated from the conductors 110 on other layers becausethey are separated by core 120 and/or insulator 105. Electricalinterconnect 115 provides electrical conductivity between conductors 110through insulators 105 and/or cores 120.

Electrical interconnect 115 can be used in laminated composite assembly100 to electrically couple one or more layers 125, 130, 135. Forexample, laminated composite assembly 100 can be a portion of a coil(e.g., included in a phase winding and/or a machine winding) such thatan operative portion (e.g., a portion in which voltage is induced whenexposed to an alternating magnetic field or a portion in whichelectrical current is provided to define a magnetic field, as describedwith respect to FIG. 6) of the coil is disposed on each layer 125, 130,135 of laminated composite assembly 100, but the end turns of the coilsare disposed on fewer than each layer (e.g., the first layer 125) oflaminated composite assembly 100. Electrical interconnect 115 canelectrically couple the layers 125, 130, 135 to allow the electricalcurrent from each layer 125, 130, 135 in the operative portion of thecoil to flow to a layer containing an end turn conductor (e.g., thefirst layer 125).

The cores 120 can be, for example, an electrically insulating materialthat can selectively isolate (e.g., selectively prevent and/or limitelectrical current from flowing between) one or more conducting layers125, 130, 135. In some embodiments, the core 120 can be an electricallyinsulating material such as, for example, FR-4 or the like. In otherembodiments, the core 120 can be formed from any suitable electricallyinsulating material(s) such as, for example, fiberglass, cotton, orsilicon and can be bound by any suitable resin material, such as, forexample, epoxy. Similar to insulator 105, the core 120 substantiallyelectrically isolates conductors 110 on different layers 125, 130, 135from each other except where core 120 has been selectively removed orotherwise displaced to allow electrical current to flow between theconductors 110, such as with electrical interconnect 115.

Laminated composite assembly 100 can have multiple layers 125, 130, 135.Each layer can include one or more conductors disposed on a surface of acore that separates that layer from another layer on an opposite surfaceof the core. In some embodiments, a layer on a core can be separatedfrom a layer on another core by an electrical insulator (e.g., a prepregdielectric material). Thus, each layer can be separated by anelectrically insulating material or a core that electrically isolates(i.e., substantially prevents electrical current from flowing between)the conductor on that layer from the conductors on the other layers. Forexample, the first layer 120 is electrically isolated from the secondlayer 130 by core 120, and the second layer 130 is electrically isolatedfrom the third layer 135 by insulator 105. A conductor on a first layercan be electrically coupled and/or thermally coupled to a conductor on asecond layer using an electrical interconnect (i.e., electricalinterconnects 115), such as, for example, a via.

In use, operating electrical current I can flow out of the page as shownin FIG. 1. A conductor 110 carrying operating electrical current I canallow operating electrical current I to flow on that conductor 110.Insulators 105 and cores 120 can substantially prevent the operatingelectrical current I from flowing between conductors 110. An electricalinterconnect 115 can electrically couple conductors 110 on differentlayers, thus allowing operating electrical current I to flow toconductors 110 on different layers. For example, operating electricalcurrent I can flow from conductor 110 on the first layer 125 throughelectrical interconnect 115 to conductor 110 on the second layer 130.

While shown and described as operating electrical current in a singledirection (generally referred to as “DC”), operating electrical currentI can be DC or alternating current (“AC”). In AC embodiments, operatingelectrical current I can flow through conductors 110 and electricalinterconnect 115 and is substantially prevented from flowing throughcores 120 and insulators 105 except where the core 120 or insulator 105has been removed or otherwise displaced to allow operating electricalcurrent I to flow between the conductors 110, such as, for example,through electrical interconnect 115.

FIG. 2a illustrates a portion of a laminated composite assembly 200having coils 205, 210, 215, and 220, coil/terminal connections 225, 230,235, and 240, externally accessible terminal connections 245, 250, 255,and 260, layers 265, 270, and 275, via pads 280 and 285, and internalbuses 282 and 284. FIG. 1 can be, for example, a partial cross sectionalview of the laminated composite assembly 200 of FIG. 2a (e.g., cut alongreference line B). Laminated composite assembly 200 can be functionallyand structurally similar to laminated composite assembly 100 asdescribed with respect to FIG. 1.

Laminated composite assembly 200 can form a portion of one or more coilsin a machine segment, such that it forms a segment of a stator or asegment of a rotor in an electrical machine (e.g., a generator or amotor). As described in further detail herein, multiple laminatedcomposite assemblies 200 can be removably mechanically coupled to format least a portion of a stator in an electrical machine.

Laminated composite assembly 200 can have multiple layers 265, 270, and275. Each layer 265, 270, and 275 can be electrically isolated from theother layers through separation by a core or non-core electricalinsulating material, such as insulator 105 or core 120 as describedabove with respect to FIG. 1. In some embodiments, layers 265, 270, and275 are electrically isolated from each other except in areas where thecore or non-core electrically insulating material is intentionallyremoved or otherwise displaced in order to allow an electrical currentto flow, such as in the case of an electrical interconnect (e.g.,electrical interconnect 115 of FIG. 1 or via pads 280, 285 in FIG. 2a ).

The layers of laminated composite assembly 200 can include variousportions of the coils 205, 210, 215, 220. For illustrative purposes inFIG. 2a , reference line A, reference line B, and reference line C candelineate different portions as used in some embodiments. The end turnportions 290 and 292 can include end turns of coils. The operative(non-curved as shown in FIG. 2a ) portion 295 can include the conductorsthat extend between the end turn portions of the coils. In someembodiments the operative portion 295 can include conductors that aresubstantially linear and/or straight, as shown in FIG. 2a . In someembodiments the operative portion 295 can include conductors that arenot substantially straight (e.g., curved, arced, trapezoidal, or anyother shape). The operative portion 295 can include conductors in whichvoltage can be induced, such as, for example, in a motor or generator.Note that other conductors within the laminated composite assembly 200can carry useful electrical current and/or be electrically coupled tothe operative portion 295 of laminated composite assembly 200.

As shown in FIG. 2a , in some embodiments, coils 205 and 215 can be onthe first layer 275. Coils 210 and 220 can be on the second layer 270.Alternatively, portions of a coil can exist on any layer, includingmultiple layers. Coils 205, 210, 215, and 220 can be structurally andfunctionally similar to conductors 110 of FIG. 1. In some embodiments,coils 205 and 215 can be electrically isolated from coils 210 and 220.As shown in FIG. 2a , coil 205 overlaps coil 210, but because they areon different layers, they can be electrically isolated by the core orinsulator between the conductors that form the coils on the differentlayers. Coil 205 can be electrically coupled to coil 215 at via pad 280through internal bus 282. Similarly, coil 210 can be electricallycoupled to coil 220 at via pad 285 through internal bus 284, thuselectrically coupling coil 210 to coil 220 in series.

While only two via pads 280, 285 are specifically called out in FIG. 2a, laminated composite assembly 200 can have greater or fewer via pads.Via pads 280, 285 can be a location on laminated composite assembly 200for placing electrical interconnects that electrically couple conductorson one or more layers of laminated composite assembly 200. Electricalinterconnects are more fully described with respect to FIG. 1.

A phase winding can include one or more coils carrying the operativeelectrical current in the machine for a specific electrical phase. Forexample, coils 205 and 215 in addition to internal bus 282 can form aportion of a phase winding. Similarly, coils 210 and 220 in addition tointernal bus 284 can form a portion of a second phase winding. A machinewinding can include one or more coils carrying the operative electricalcurrent in the machine for the electrical phases of the machine. Forexample, the machine winding of a three phase machine can include coilsfor each of the three electrical phases. For another example, themachine winding of a single phase machine can include a coil for thatsingle electrical phase. For example, coils 205, 210, 215, and 220 inaddition to internal busses 282 and 284 can form a machine winding.

As shown in FIG. 2a , coils 205, 210, 215, and 220 can enclose an areain that the coil is disposed in operative section 295 and end turnsections 290 and 292. For example, coil 205 is disposed in section 295such that operative electrical current I₁ can flow in the directionshown through operative portion 295, around end turn portion 290, backdown operative portion 295, around end turn portion 292, and continuethat pattern until the end of the coil is reached to flow to via pad280.

While shown in FIG. 2a as being circular and circumscribing an area, inother embodiments a coil can include any other suitable pattern. Forexample, in some embodiments and as shown in FIG. 2b , a wave winding700 can be used (e.g., a coil formed in a wave pattern). Such a wavewinding coil can form a wave pattern rather than a circular pattern asdescribed above. Specifically, the wave winding 700 can include multipleoperative portions 715 (e.g., a portion in which voltage is induced whenexposed to an alternating magnetic field or a portion in whichelectrical current is provided to define a magnetic field, as describedwith respect to FIG. 6) that can be similar to operative portion 295 ofcoils 205, 210, 215, and 220 as shown in FIG. 2a . Additionally, thewave winding 700 can include multiple end turn portions 790, each ofwhich operatively couples two operative portions 715. Such end turnportions 790 can be similar to the end turn portions 290, 292 of coils205, 210, 215, and 220 as shown in FIG. 2 a.

Returning to FIG. 2a , in some embodiments, the conductors in theoperative portion 295 on each layer can include conductors for each coil205, 210, 215, and 220. The conductors in the end turn portions 290 foreach coil can be on different layers, such that they do not intersectwithin a layer. The conductors in the operative portion 295 can beelectrically coupled with the appropriate conductors in the end turnportion 290 using a via or other electrical interconnect. For example,while not shown in FIG. 2a , the conductors in the operative portion 295for coil 205 can be on the first layer 275, the second layer 270, andthe third layer 265. The conductor in the end turn portion 290 for coil205 can be on the first layer 275, but not the second layer 270 or thethird layer 265. The conductors in the operative portion 295 on thefirst layer 275, the second layer 270, and the third layer 265 of coil205 can be electrically coupled near reference line A to the conductorin the end turn portion 290 on the first layer 275 of coil 205 using avia or other electrical interconnect. Accordingly, in use, electricalcurrent flowing on the operative portions 295 of coil 205 on the secondlayer 270 or the third layer 265 can flow to the end turn portion 290 ofcoil 205 and on the first layer 275 through a via or other electricalinterconnect. The other coils 210, 215, and 220 can be similarlyelectrically coupled between their end turn portions 290 and operativeportions 295 such that the conductors in the end turn portion 290 foreach coil (205, 210, 215, and 220) is on one or more layers (265, 270,and 275), but the conductors in the operative portion 295 for each coil(205, 210, 215, and 220) is on one or more layers (265, 270, and 275).

In such embodiments, while the conductors in the operative portion 295for each coil 205, 210, 215, 220 are on the same layer or layers (265,270, 275) as other conductors in the operative portion 295 for othercoils 205, 210, 215, 220, the conductors for each coil 205, 210, 215,220 are electrically isolated. For example, the conductors in theoperative portion 295 for coil 205 can be on the first layer 275, thesecond layer 270, and the third layer 265, and the conductors in theoperative portion 295 for coil 210 can be on the first layer 275, thesecond layer 270, and the third layer 265. Even though the conductorsfor each coil 205 and 210 are on each layer 265, 270, and 275, the coils205 and 210 can be electrically isolated using an insulator ornon-conductive electrically insulating material that substantiallyprevents electrical current from flowing between the conductors of coil205 and the conductors of coil 210.

Coils 205 and 215 can be associated with an electrical phase (e.g.,phase A). As seen in FIG. 2a , coils 205 and 215 can be electricallycoupled at via pad 280, so the electrical phase associated with thecoils 205, 215 within a machine segment can be the same electricalphase. Coils 210 and 220 can be associated with a second electricalphase (e.g., phase B). Coils 210 and 220 can be electrically isolatedfrom coils 205 and 215. The overlapping portions of coil 215 and 220 andthe overlapping portions of coil 205 and 210 (i.e., the end turnportions 290, 292) are on different layers. In some embodiments, adifferent electrical phase can be associated with each layer or someother subset of the total number of layers in a multi-phase machine.

As described above, in some embodiments, the operative portion 295 ofthe conductors on each layer can include conductors for each coil 205,210, 215, and 220. In such embodiments, the operative portion 295 of theconductors associated with each electrical phase in the multi-phasemachine can be on each layer 265, 270, 275. In the end turn portion 290,the conductors associated with each electrical phase can be on differentlayers 265, 270, 275. In such configurations, the electrical phasesremain electrically isolated, as described above.

Coil/terminal connection 225, 230, 235, and 240 can be an electricalcoupling of the winding portion to the terminal portion of theconductor. In some embodiments, the conductor is a continuation of theconductor from the winding portion of the conductor to the terminalportion of the conductor. In some embodiments, the winding portion ofthe conductor is coupled to the terminal portion of the conductorthrough an electrical interconnect (e.g., similar to electricalinterconnect 115 of FIG. 1).

Terminal connections 245, 250, 255, and 260 can be any couplingmechanism. Coupling mechanisms can include, for example, electricalclips, conductive pins that connect to a conductive receptacle for thepin, or any other suitable conductive coupling mechanism. The terminalconnections 245, 250, 255, and 260 can be externally accessible suchthat laminated composite assembly 200 can be electrically andmechanically coupled to an electrical circuit or component and removedfrom that electrical circuit both mechanically and electrically.Electrical circuits to which laminated composite assembly 200 can becoupled can include, for example, a power converter, a load circuit, asource circuit, a circuit that functions as a load in someconfigurations and as a source in other configurations, or any othersuitable electrical circuit. In some embodiments, terminal connections245, 250, 255, and 260 can provide the electrical as well as themechanical coupling mechanism for electrically and mechanicallyremovably coupling the laminated composite assembly 200 to an electricalcircuit or component. For example, the terminal connections 245, 250,255, and 260 can conductively bolt the laminated composite assembly 200to the electrical circuit or component. In other embodiments, terminalconnections 245, 250, 255, and 260 provide the electrical couplingmechanism while the mechanical coupling can be provided through anon-conductive method. For example, the terminal connections 245, 250,255, and 260 can include electrical clips while the mechanical couplingmechanism can include a removable mechanism (e.g., bolts, clips,pressure pins, etc.) that can, for example in a non-conductive area,mechanically couple the laminated composite assembly 200 to themechanical structure (e.g., PCB) of the electrical circuit or component.

Each terminal connection 245, 250, 255, 260 can have a polarity,conventionally described as either electrically positive or electricallynegative. In AC embodiments, the polarity of each terminal connection245, 250, 255, and 260 can alternate. Terminal connections at oppositeends of a machine winding can maintain an opposite polarity. Forexample, each electrical phase can include two terminals at oppositeends of a machine winding, one terminal being electrically positive andthe other being electrically negative. Similarly stated, as an example,terminal connection 255 is electrically coupled to coil 205. Coil 205 iselectrically coupled to coil 215. Coil 215 is electrically coupled toterminal connection 245. Thus, in some instances, terminal connection245 can be electrically negative and terminal connection 255 can beelectrically positive. In other instances, terminal connection 245 canbe electrically positive and terminal connection 255 can be electricallynegative. Similarly, in some instances terminal connection 260 can beelectrically positive and terminal connection 250 can be electricallynegative. In other instances, terminal connection 260 can beelectrically negative, and terminal connection 250 can be electricallypositive.

The alternative terminal connection polarities as described above applyequally to both AC and DC embodiments. Though AC embodiments haveelectrical current that reverses polarity, the terminals can still haveone electrically positive terminal and one electrically negativeterminal associated with each phase winding. In such embodiments,terminal connection 245 can alternate between electrically positive andelectrically negative while terminal connection 255 can alternateoppositely between electrically negative and electrically positive suchthat when terminal connection 245 is electrically positive, terminalconnection 255 is electrically negative and vice versa. Similarly,terminal connection 250 can alternate between electrically positive andelectrically negative while terminal connection 260 can alternateoppositely between electrically negative and electrically positive suchthat when terminal connection 245 is electrically positive, terminalconnection 255 is electrically negative and vice versa. The terminals onopposite ends of a circuit operating with AC power can be referred tosynonymously as, for example, A+ and A−, A and A-bar, or A and Ā. In thenomenclature used within this description, A or A+ refers to a firstelectrical terminal for phase A that has a first terminal polarity(e.g., positive). A−, A-bar, or Ā refers to a second electrical terminalfor phase A that is on the opposite electrical end of phase A or A+ andhas a second terminal polarity that is opposite from the first terminalpolarity (e.g., negative). As such, the indication of A+, A−, A, A-bar,or Ā as applied to a terminal is intended to reflect a particularconvention of terminal polarity for a terminal associated withelectrical phase A, rather than a convention of absolute terminalpolarity.

Laminated composite assembly 200 can be mechanically removably coupledand/or electrically removably coupled to other laminated compositeassemblies 200 to form at least a portion of a segmented stator. Forexample, laminated composite assembly 200 can be bolted in anon-conductive area to a non-conductive area of a second laminatedcomposite assembly 200. Mechanically coupling multiple laminatedcomposite assemblies together can provide a configuration that allowsvoltage to be induced in the operative portions 295 of the coils 205,210, 215, 220 of laminated composite assemblies 200. As shown in moredetail below with respect to FIGS. 3a -6, the terminal connections 245,250, 255, 260 can be electrically coupled to power converters such thatvoltage induced in the operative portion 295 of the coils 205, 210, 215,220 can drive an electrical current to be collected and converted foruse in a larger system (e.g., coupled to a power grid).

In use, operative electrical currents I₁ and I₂ can flow in thedirections shown in FIG. 2a . While operative electrical currents I₁ andI₂ are shown as having a direction, the direction of operativeelectrical currents I₁ and I₂ can refer to either direct current (DC) oralternating current (AC). For example, operative electrical current I₁can be associated with an electrical phase and driven by voltage inducedin the operative portion 295 of coils 205 and 215. Similarly, operativeelectrical current I₂ can be associated with an electrical phase anddriven by voltage induced in the operative portion 295 of coils 210 and220. In some embodiments, operative electrical current I₁ can beassociated with the same electrical phase as operative electricalcurrent I₂. In other embodiments, operative electrical current I₁ can beassociated with a different electrical phase as operative electricalcurrent I₂. In some embodiments, operative electrical currents I₁, I₂can be supplied to the coils from a source circuit.

Operative electrical current I₁ can flow from terminal connection 255through coil/terminal connection 230 and into coil 205. From there,operative electrical current I₁ can flow through the coil 205 into coil215 through via pad 280. Once through the conductors of coil 215,operative electrical current I₁ can flow through coil/terminalconnection 235 and out terminal connection 245.

Operative electrical current I₂ can flow from terminal connection 250through coil/terminal connection 240 to coil 220. As shown, operativeelectrical current I₂ can flow in substantially the opposite directionto, or at some different electrical phase angle than operativeelectrical current I₁ flowing through coils 205 and 215. Because thecoils 215 and 205 are electrically isolated from coils 210 and 220, theoperative electrical current can flow in substantially oppositedirections or different phase angles. For example, for three electricalphase (A, B, and C) power, a phase angle a separation of 120 degrees canbe included between phase A and phase B, between phase B and phase C,and between phase C and phase A. In some embodiments, the referencephase angle for phase A is −60 degrees, the reference phase angle forphase B is 0 degrees, and the reference phase angle for phase C is 60degrees, which is, for example, a 60 degree phase angle separationbetween phase A and phase B rather than a 120 degree phase angleseparation. In such embodiments, the 120 degree phase angle separationcan be achieved by adjusting the reference phase angle for phase B by180 degrees such that the reference phase angle for phase A is −60degrees, the reference phase angle for phase B is 180 degrees, and thereference phase angle for phase C is 60 degrees, making the phase angleseparation between electrical phases equal to 120 degrees. The sameconcept can apply to any number of electrical phases. As applied to FIG.2a , for example, operative electrical current I₁ can be phase A andoperative electrical current I₂ can be phase B. For another example,operative electrical currents I₁ and I₂ can be induced in the operativeportion 295 of the coils 205, 210, 215, 220 such that both electricalcurrents can flow in the direction shown for operative electricalcurrent I₁. Operative electrical current I₂ can be configured to flow insubstantially the opposite direction (i.e., the direction shown in FIG.2a for I₂) by reversing the polarity of the terminal connections 250 and260.

FIG. 3a illustrates a schematic view of a power system including acircuit 340, a transformer 335, multiple power converters 320, 325, and330, and a segmented machine 345 having multiple segments 305, 310, and315.

In some embodiments, circuit 340 can be a power grid or other load towhich the machine 345 provides power in the case that the machine 345 isa generator. In other embodiments, circuit 340 can be a power source inthe case that the machine 345 is a motor.

In some embodiments, transformer 335 can at least partially transformthe power from the power converters 320, 325, 330 to the proper voltage,electrical current, and impedance for the circuit 340. Transformer 335can be any transformer configured to provide the power from the powerconverters 320, 325, and 330 to the circuit 340. Transformer 335 caninclude, for example, two coils that are positioned closely (such asaround a common iron core) such that the electrical current flowing inthe first coil can induce electrical current in the second coil. In someembodiments, transformer 335 can isolate the power converters 320, 325,330 from the circuit 340.

Segmented machine 345 can be a machine having multiple segments. In FIG.3a , segmented machine 345 has three segments 305, 310, and 315. Inother embodiments, segmented machine 345 can have any number ofsegments, including more than three or less than three. Segmentedmachine 345 can include a common and/or shared rotating or translatingbody. In some embodiments, segments 1, 2 and 3 can be mechanicallycoupled together or to a common support structure to describe a singlestator or rotor and the segments 305, 310, 315 share a singletranslating or rotating body.

As shown in FIG. 3a , each segment 305, 310, and 315 can be electricallyindependent from the other segments. Similarly stated, until reachingthe transformer 335, each segment 305, 310, and 315 can be electricallyisolated from the other segments.

Each segment 305, 310, and 315 can be a segment as described in FIG. 2a. For example, segment 305, 310, and/or 315 can be formed to include oneor more laminated composite assemblies substantially similar tolaminated composite assembly 200. In some embodiments and as shown inFIG. 2a , each segment can include coils associated with threeelectrical phases. In this configuration, one terminal connectionassociated with each electrical phase can be removably electricallycoupled to a power converter and the other terminal connectionassociated with each electrical phase can be externally and removablyelectrically coupled in a star (e.g., wye) configuration to the secondterminal connections from coils associated with the other electricalphases, as shown in FIG. 3a . For example, the first segment 305 isconfigured such that one terminal connection associated with eachelectrical phase is connected in a star configuration with one terminalconnection associated with each of the other two electrical phasesexternal to each of the machine segments 305, 310, and 315. The secondterminal connection from each electrical phase of the first segment 305is externally and removably electrically coupled to the first powerconverter 320.

While shown in FIG. 3a as connected in a star configuration, eachmachine segment 305, 310, and 315 can be externally and removablyelectrically coupled in any suitable configuration, including star(e.g., wye), delta and/or the like. As shown in FIG. 3a , the terminalconnections for each electrical phase in each segment (305, 310, 315)are electrically coupled in a star configuration external to thesegments (305, 310, 315). Furthermore, while shown in FIG. 3a as havingthree electrical phases, the machine segments 305, 310, and 315, andtherefore segmented machine 345, can have any number of electricalphases.

Each segment 305, 310, and 315 can be externally and removablyelectrically coupled to an associated power converter 320, 325, and 330,as shown in FIG. 3a . For example, as shown in FIG. 3a , the firstsegment 305 is externally and removably electrically coupled to thefirst power converter 320, the second segment 310 is externally andremovably electrically coupled to the second power converter 325, andthe third segment 315 is externally and removably electrically coupledto the third power converter 330.

Though segments 305, 310, and 315 are electrically isolated from eachother, the segments can be mechanically coupled to form at least aportion of a machine segment. The mechanical coupling will be describedfurther herein with respect to FIGS. 4a -4 f.

Each power converter 320, 325, and 330 is electrically isolated from theother power converters. At the transformer 335, however, the outputs ofthe power converters can be electrically coupled to combine the powerfor transfer to the circuit 340.

Each power converter 320, 325, and 330 can include any circuit thatconverts power to the proper electrical phase or phases, frequency,voltage, and/or electrical current from one side of the converter to theother. For example, in FIG. 3a , for simplicity sake electrical currentI is described as flowing in the direction shown. Electrical current Ican flow from, for example, the first machine segment 305 through thefirst power converter 320 to the transformer 335. The first powerconverter 320 can convert electrical current I from the segment side ofthe first power converter 320 to be compatible with the circuit andpower on the transformer side of the first power converter 320. Thesecond power converter 325 and the third power converter 330 canfunction in substantially the same way as the first power converter 320.In some embodiments, power converters 320, 325, and 330 can, forexample, convert AC received from the segmented machine 345 to DC andthen convert the DC electrical power to AC electrical power suitable forcircuit 340.

In use, electrical current I can flow in the direction shown. In agenerator configuration, electrical current I can be induced in eachsegment 305, 310, and 315. Electrical current I can flow to theassociated power converters 320, 325, and 330. At the power converters320, 325, and 330, the electrical current I can be appropriatelyconverted for transfer to the circuit 340. Electrical current I can flowto transformer 335 for transfer to circuit 340. Because the segments305, 310, and 315 are electrically isolated, electrical current flowbetween the segments 305, 310, 315 is substantially eliminated.

While the arrows in FIG. 3a suggest a certain direction of electricalcurrent flow, the direction can refer to a positive convention foreither DC or AC. For example, the electrical current induced insegmented machine 345 can be AC. The electrical current transferredbetween circuit 340 and power converters 320, 325, 330 can be AC. Powerconverters 320, 325, and 330 can convert the AC to DC, however, theinput and/or output on either side of power converters 320, 325, 330 canbe AC.

An advantage of this configuration is that because the segments 305,310, 315 are electrically isolated from each other, substantially noelectrical current can circulate between segments. Such circulatingcurrents, as described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 3b ,are generally not useful electrical current and do not generate usefultorque and/or power. Moreover, circulating electrical currents can causeexcessive heating in the power converters 320, 325, 330 and segments305, 310, 315.

FIG. 3b is a schematic view of a power system including a circuit 375,transformer 370, power converters 355, 360, and 365, and a machine 350.Circuit 375 can be functionally and structurally similar to the circuit340 of FIG. 3a . Transformer 370 can be structurally and functionallysimilar to transformer 335 of FIG. 3a . Power converters 355, 360, and365 are structurally and functionally similar to the power converters320, 325, and 330 of FIG. 3 a.

Machine 350 is depicted as a three phase machine, but can be any numberof electrical phases. As shown in FIG. 3b , Phase A of machine 350 iselectrically coupled to the first power converter 355, the second powerconverter 360, and the third power converter 365. Similarly, phases Band C are also electrically coupled to each power converter 355, 360,and 365.

Machine 350 is not a segmented machine. Because machine 350 is notsegmented, the phase windings for each electrical phase are notelectrically isolated within the machine. In use, electrical current Ican flow in the direction shown in FIG. 3b . Electrical current I canflow from phase A of machine 350 to the first power converter 355. Onceconverted, electrical current I can flow from the first power converter355 to the transformer 370. Once transformed, electrical current I canflow to circuit 375.

As shown in FIG. 3b , circulating electrical currents can be generatedbetween the different power converters because of their parallelelectrical connections at the machine terminals. For example, theconductor related to phase A that is coupled to the first powerconverter 355 can have a common mode circulating electrical current thatcircles back through the conductor related to phase A that is coupled tothe second power converter 360. In other cases, circulating currents mayform in a manner that passes through the first power converter via theconductors coupled to the first converter for phases A & B, then throughthe second power converter via the conductors coupled to the secondpower converter for phases A & B. In yet other cases, circulatingcurrents can form any suitable means as enabled by the parallelelectrical connection of multiple power converters to a machine, whetherassociated with a single electrical phase or multiple electrical phases.Circulating electrical currents generally do not produce useful powerand/or useful torque and can cause excessive heating of the powerconverters 355, 360, and 365 and/or the machine 350. The conductorsassociated with phase B and phase C can also be subject to circulatingcommon mode electrical current. The circulating common mode electricalcurrent can be generated by minor imbalances between the output power ofthe power converters 355, 360, 365. Circulating common mode electricalcurrent can also be generated by minor imbalances in generatorelectromotive force (EMF) or voltage, minor imbalances in electricalresistance or impedances in the power converters 355, 360, 365 or in themachine 350, or minor imbalances between parallel generator segments.

Referring back to FIG. 3a , the configuration shown in FIG. 3a hasadvantages over the configuration shown in FIG. 3b such that theconfiguration shown in FIG. 3a is less subject to imbalances between thepower converters 320, 325, and 330. For example, the output voltages,generator back EMF, and internal impedances in the power converters 320,325, 330 or in the segmented machine 345 are isolated from one segmentto another. The segmentation substantially reduces or eliminates thecirculating electrical currents described with respect to FIG. 3 b.

FIG. 4a illustrates a machine segment 400 having four negative terminals410 and four positive terminals 405. Machine segment 400 can besubstantially similar to machine segments 305, 310, and 315 as describedwith respect to FIG. 3a . A portion of machine segment 400 can also befunctionally and structurally similar to laminated composite assembly200 as described with respect to FIG. 2a . Positive terminals 405 andnegative terminals 410 can be functionally and structurally similar toterminals 245, 250, 255, 260 as described with respect to FIG. 2 a.

Although FIG. 4a shows four negative terminals 410 and four positiveterminals 405, machine segment 400 can have any number of positiveterminals and any number of negative terminals. Because each phasewinding within machine segment 400 can be associated with a positiveterminal and a negative terminal, each phase winding can be associatedwith two terminals (one positive and one negative). Each phase windingcan include one or more coils, such as, for example, two coils as shownin FIG. 2a . In some embodiments, each phase winding within a machinesegment can be associated with any other number of terminals thatprovide electrical access to the machine segment. Furthermore, whileFIG. 4a shows positive terminals 405 alternating with negative terminals410, the order of terminals can be in any configuration.

The machine segment 400 can include a laminated composite assemblystructurally and/or functionally similar to laminated composite assembly200 as described with respect to FIG. 2a . As described in FIG. 2a ,each positive terminal 405 can be associated with a phase winding withinmachine segment 400. Each phase winding can also be associated with anegative terminal 410, such that each positive terminal 405 has acorresponding negative terminal 410. Additionally, each phase windingcan be associated with an electrical phase, such that each positiveterminal 405 and each negative terminal 410 can be associated with anelectrical phase. Within the machine segment 400, each phase winding canbe electrically isolated from the other machine windings. For example,as shown in FIG. 4a , machine segment can have four electrical phases,with one positive and one negative terminal associated with eachelectrical phase. The positive terminal 405 and the negative terminal410 for each electrical phase can be electrically isolated from each ofthe other positive terminals 405 and negative terminals 410 because thephase windings to which each terminal is associated can be electricallyisolated from other phase windings.

In some embodiments, phase windings within machine segment 400 can eachbe of the same electrical phase, or any number of electrical phases. Forexample, two positive terminals 405 and two negative terminals 410 canbe associated with phase windings of the same electrical phase and theremaining two positive terminals 405 and two negative terminals 410 canbe associated with phase windings of a second electrical phase such thatmachine segment 400 has two electrical phases rather than four.

As shown in FIG. 4a , the positive terminals 405 and the negativeterminals 410 can be externally accessible to the machine segment 400.The external accessibility of the terminals 405, 410 make it possiblefor the machine segment 400 to be electrically removably coupled toother elements of a machine. For example, using the terminals 405 and410, machine segment 400 can be externally and removably electricallycoupled to a circuit that forms a portion of a machine. The terminalscan be, for example, externally and removably electrically coupled to apower converter, an external load, an external source, a device that canact as a source in a first mode of operation and a load in a second modeof operation, and/or any other suitable circuit. An example of anexternal load circuit can be, for example, an electrical powerdistribution grid. In some embodiments, the machine segment 400 can be aportion of a generator machine such that the power output by thegenerator can be supplied to the power grid. An example of an externalsource circuit can be, for example, any power source that provides powerto the machine segment 400. In some embodiments, the machine segment 400can be a portion of a motor machine such that the machine receives inputpower to operate.

Machine segment 400 can be mechanically removably coupled as well. Forexample, multiple machine segments 400 can be mechanically removablycoupled together as described below in more detail with respect to FIG.5. Because the machine segment 400 can be an arc shape, multiple machinesegments 400 can be mechanically coupled together end to end to form acircular shape, as shown in FIG. 5. As described further with respect toFIGS. 5 and 6, the machine segments 400 can be mechanically removablycoupled to form a circular shape such that they collectively define atleast a portion of a stator or rotor of a multi-phase machine. In otherembodiments, the machine segments 400 can be mechanically removablycoupled to form any other shape, for example the segments could belinearly coupled to support linear motion or coupled in an arc such thatthe segments are arced across a different dimension to support, forexample, spherical motion.

Because machine segment 400 can be both mechanically removably coupledand externally and removably electrically coupled at the terminals, themachine segment 400 can be removed from a system and replaced. Forexample, if machine segment 400 experiences a failure, machine segment400 can be mechanically and electrically decoupled from the machine towhich it is coupled, and replaced with a properly functioning machinesegment 400. Similarly, machine segment 400 can be decoupled from themachine to which it is coupled and replaced with a different machinesegment to put the overall machine in a different configuration, asdescribed in more detail below with respect to FIG. 5.

In some embodiments, machine segment 400 can be externally and removablyelectrically coupled to a second segment 400 such that coils within eachsegment 400 are not all electrically isolated. For example, the firstsegment (e.g., laminated composite assembly 200) can include two coilsthat are electrically isolated (e.g., as including coils 215 and 220)within the first segment, each coil being, for example associated with adifferent electrical phase (e.g., phase A and phase B). The two coilscan be electrically coupled to two coils (e.g. as including coils 215and 220) from a second segment 400, respectfully. Each coil in thesecond segment 400 can be associated with an electrical phase (e.g.,phase A and phase B, respectively). In such a configuration, eachsegment 400 can be mechanically removably coupled to other segments 400,but each segment 400 can have the coils associated with commonelectrical phases electrically coupled to the coils within othersegments 400 associated with that electrical phase (e.g., the coils fromthe first segment associated with phase A being electrically coupled tothe coils from the second segment associated with phase A, and the coilsfrom the first segment associated with phase B being electricallycoupled to the coils from the second segment associated with phase B).In other embodiments, coils of different electrical phases on differentsegments can be externally and removably electrically coupled in a staror delta configuration to define a multi-phase machine that includescoils on multiple segments. In such embodiments, some of the coils fromthe first segment 400 can be externally and removably electricallycoupled to the coils in the second segment 400.

FIG. 4b illustrates a machine segment 415 having three positiveterminals 420 and three negative terminals 425. Machine segment 415 canbe structurally and functionally similar to machine segment 400. Machinesegment 415, however, can have three electrical phases, each electricalphase being associated with a different positive terminal 420, negativeterminal 425, and phase winding including one or more coils.

FIG. 4c illustrates a machine segment 430 having three negativeterminals (A−, B−, and C−), three positive terminals (A+, B+, and C+), afirst region 435, and a second region 440. Machine segment 430 can bestructurally and functionally similar to machine segment 400, but canprovide a different configuration for the negative terminals (A−, B−,and C−) and the positive terminals (A+, B+, and C+) than shown anddescribed with respect to machine segment 400 of FIG. 4a . While theterminals alternate polarity, there are two distinct regions ofterminals, each having one terminal for each electrical phase includedin the machine segment 430. For example, the first region 435 includespositive terminals for phases A and C (A+ and C+) and a negativeterminal for phase B (B−). The opposite polarity terminals for eachelectrical phase can then be included in the second region 440 such thatthe second region 440 includes negative terminals for phases A and C (A−and C−) and a positive terminal for phase B (B+). In some embodimentsthe polarity of each terminal can be determined by the circuit to whichthe terminal is electrically coupled. For example, terminal B− can havea negative polarity because it is electrically coupled to the associatedterminal of the circuit to which it is electrically coupled.

The first region 435 and the second region 440 can be mutually exclusiveof each other, as shown. For example, the first region 435 can includeterminals A+, B− and C+, none of which are included in the second region440. Similarly, the second region can include the terminals A−, B+, andC−, none of which are included in the first region 435.

FIG. 4d illustrates a machine segment 445 having three negativeterminals (A−, B−, and C−), three positive terminals (A+, B+, and C+), afirst region 450, and a second region 455. Machine segment 445 can bestructurally and functionally similar to machine segment 400. As shownin FIG. 4d , the positive terminals (A+, B+, and C+) can be grouped in afirst region 450 and the negative terminals (A−, B−, and C−) can begrouped in a second region 455. The first region 450 and the secondregion 455 can be separate and distinct from each other. As shown inFIG. 4c , the natural configuration can be alternating polarities of theelectrical phases in each region (i.e., the first region contains phasesA−, B+, and C−). The configuration in FIG. 4d can be generated byreversing the coil and/or winding connections of an electrical phasebetween terminal regions within a machine segment. As described above,the polarity of each terminal can be determined by the circuit to whichthe terminal is electrically coupled. For example, terminal A+ can havea positive polarity because it is electrically coupled to the associatedterminal of the circuit to which it is electrically coupled.

In this embodiment, the first region 450 and the second region 455 canalso be mutually exclusive of each other, though the terminals containedin each region are different than those contained in the two regionsdescribed in FIG. 4c . For example, the first region 450 can includeterminals A+, B+, and C+, none of which are included in the secondregion 455. Similarly, the second region 455 can include terminals A−,B−, and C−, none of which are included in the first region 450.

FIG. 4e illustrates a machine segment 460 with three positive terminals(A+, B+, and C+), three negative terminals (A−, B−, and C−), an externalstar connection 465, and an external circuit 470. Machine segment 460can be structurally and functionally similar to machine segment 400.Similar to machine segment 445 as described with respect to FIG. 4d ,the positive terminals (A+, B+, and C+) are grouped in a region and thenegative terminals (A−, B−, and C−) are grouped in a region. Thepositive terminals (A+, B+, and C+) can be externally and removablyelectrically coupled in a star connection 465 configuration. In otherembodiments, the negative terminals (A−, B−, and C−) can be externallyand removably electrically coupled in a star connection configurationinstead of the positive terminals (A+, B+, C+) and the positiveterminals (A+, B+, C+) can be externally and removably electricallycoupled to an external circuit 470. Similarly, either or both thepositive terminals (A+, B+, and C+) or the negative terminals (A−, B−,and C−) can be externally and removably electrically coupled in anyother configuration, including a delta configuration.

The negative terminals (A−, B−, and C−) can be externally and removablyelectrically coupled to a circuit 470. Circuit 470 can be any suitablecircuit including, for example, a load circuit, a source circuit, and/ora power converter. Similarly, as described above, the positive terminals(A+, B+, and C+) can be externally and removably electrically coupled toexternal circuit 470 and negative terminals (A−, B−, C−) can beexternally and removably electrically coupled together.

FIG. 4f illustrates a machine segment 475 with three positive terminals(A+, B+, CJ, three negative terminals (A−, B−, C−), and externalcircuits 480, 485. Machine segment 475 can be structurally andfunctionally similar to machine segment 400 of FIG. 4a . Similar tomachine segment 445 as described with respect to FIG. 4d , the positiveterminals (A+, B+, and C+) are grouped in a region and the negativeterminals (A−, B−, and C−) are grouped in a region. The positiveterminals (A+, B+, and C+) can be externally and removably electricallycoupled to external circuit 480 and the negative terminals (A−, B−, andC−) can be externally and removably electrically coupled to a secondexternal circuit 485. The external circuits 480 and 485 can be anysuitable electrical circuit, for example, a power converter, a loadcircuit, or a source circuit. In some embodiments, the external circuits480 and 485 can be the same type of circuit (e.g., 480 is a powerconverter and 485 is a second power converter. In yet other embodiments,the external circuits 480 and 485 can be the same external circuit(e.g., 480 is a power converter and 485 is the same power converter).For example, external circuit 480 can be a power converter and externalcircuit 485 can be the same power converter. In other embodiments,external circuits 480 and 485 can be distinct circuits. For example,external circuit 480 can be a power converter and external circuit 485can be a second power converter.

Machine segments 400, 425, 450, and 470 of FIGS. 4a-4f can form aportion of a stator in a machine. For example, FIG. 5 illustratesmultiple machine segments mechanically coupled to form a segmentedmachine 500 for a three-phase electrical system. The segmented machine500 has multiple mechanical couplings 545, four machine segments 505,510, 515, 520, and the segmented machine 500 defines an interiorcircular area 550. Each machine segment has six terminals (A+, B+, C+,A−, B−, C−). Each machine segment 505, 510, 515, and 520 can befunctionally and structurally similar to machine segment 460 asdescribed in FIG. 4e . In some embodiments, each machine segment 505,510, 515, 520 can be structurally and functionally similar to any of themachine segments (400, 415, 530, 445, 460, 475) described in FIGS. 4a-4f. In some embodiments, the machine segments 505, 510, 515, 520 can beconfigured differently from each other. For example, in someembodiments, the first machine segment 505 can have terminal connectionsconfigured similar to machine segment 475 of FIG. 4f and the secondmachine segment 510 can have terminal connections configured similar tomachine segment 460 of FIG. 4 e.

Each machine segment 505, 510, 515, and 520 has three electrical phases(A, B, and C), with the positive terminals of each externally andremovably electrically coupled in a star configuration and the negativeterminals externally and removably electrically coupled to an externalcircuit 525, 530, 535, 540. As shown in FIG. 5, the electrical couplingcan be external to the segment. For example, circuit 525 is external tothe first machine segment 505 and can be electrically coupled externalto the first machine segment 505.

The machine segments 505, 510, 515, and 520 are mechanically coupledtogether using mechanical couplings 545. Mechanical couplings 545 can beany suitable coupling device that allows the machine segments 505, 510,515, and 520 to be decoupled and removed from the machine. For example,mechanical couplings 545 can be bolts, clips, steel bushings, a dovetailslotted connection, and/or any other suitable coupling. In otherembodiments, such mechanical couplings can be part of a supportstructure (not shown in FIG. 5). Such a support structure can supportand mechanically couple each machine segment. In such embodiments, eachmachine segment can be mechanically coupled to the other machinesegments by the support structure. In still other embodiments, themachine segments can be directly mechanically coupled to both a supportstructure and the other machine segments.

While machine segments 505, 510, 515, and 520 are mechanically coupledto form a stator, the machine segments 505, 510, 515, and 520 areelectrically isolated from each other, as described with respect tosegments 305, 310, and 315 of FIG. 3a . The positive terminals (A+, B+,and C+) of each machine segment 505, 510, 515, and 520 can be externallyand removably electrically coupled in a star configuration, as shown. Insome embodiments, the positive terminals (A+, B+, and C+) can beelectrically coupled in any other suitable configuration, such as, forexample, a delta configuration.

The negative terminals (A−, B−, and C−) of each machine segment 505,510, 515, and 520 can be externally and removably electrically coupledto an external circuit 525, 530, 535, 540. External circuits 525, 530,535, and 540 can be any suitable circuit, such as, for example, a powerconverter, a load circuit, and/or a source circuit. In some embodiments,for example, similar to the system described in FIG. 3a , each machinesegment 505, 510, 515, and 520 can each be externally and removablyelectrically coupled to a power converter through its negative terminals(A−, B−, and C−). In other embodiments, the external circuits 525, 530,535, and 540 are not the same type of circuit (e.g., each a powerconverter) but can include multiple types of circuits. For example, insome embodiments, the first machine segment 505 can be externally andremovably electrically coupled through its negative terminals (A−, B−,and C−) to a power converter and the second machine segment 510 can beexternally and removably electrically coupled through its negativeterminals (A−, B−, and C−) to a load circuit.

Because the machine segments 505, 510, 515, and 520 can be removablymechanically coupled together and/or to a support structure, and theterminal connections can be electrically and mechanically removablycoupled, as described in more detail above with respect to FIG. 4a , themachine segments 505, 510, 515, and 520 can be decoupled, such that anymachine segment 505, 510, 515, and/or 520 can be removed from themachine and be replaced with a different machine segment. For example,the first machine segment 505 can be configured similar to machinesegment 460 of FIG. 4e . If the first machine segment 505 experiences afailure, it can be decoupled from the remaining segments in thesegmented machine 500 and replaced with a properly functioning machinesegment configured similar to machine segment 460 of FIG. 4e . Inanother embodiment, the first machine segment 505 can be replaced with adifferent machine segment of a different configuration, for examplemachine segment 475 of FIG. 4f , in order to effect a change in theconfiguration of segmented machine 500. As another example, the firstmachine segment 505 can be configured in a star configuration, as shownin FIG. 5. The first machine segment 505 can be electrically andmechanically decoupled from the segmented machine 500 and externalcircuit 525 and replaced with a different machine segment that isconfigured in a delta configuration instead of a star configuration.

In some configurations, the segmented machine 500 can have a movableportion (i.e., a rotor) that is placed in the interior area 550 definedby segmented machine 500 (or other suitable area depending on the typeof machine). The movable portion can be segmented such that each machinesegment (505, 520, 515, 520) substantially aligns with a segment of themovable portion. Once aligned, the machine segments (e.g., statorportion) can be mechanically removably coupled to an associated segmentof the movable portion (e.g., rotor portion). The combination of themachine segment (e.g., stator portion) and the movable portion (e.g.,rotor portion) can be coupled to a machine support structure such thatthe segment combination can be removed from the machine and moved toreassemble or replaced with a different segment combination. Themechanical coupling of the machine segment 505, 510, 515, 520 (e.g.,stator portion) with the associated movable portion (e.g., rotorportion) can be accomplished using bolts, pins, or any other suitablefastening mechanism. The machine support structure can be any suitablestructure that can be coupled to the segment combination such that themachine support structure provides support for removal and reattachmentof the segment combination to an electromagnetic machine. Mechanicalcouplings and support structures for segments are disclosed more fullyin U.S. Pat. No. 9,154,024 to Jore, et al., filed Jun. 2, 2011, andentitled “Systems and Methods for Improved Direct Drive Generators,”which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

In use, segmented machine 500 can be part of an electrical machine. Forexample, FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view ofan axial flux machine 600 having a drive shaft 605, rotor segments 610and 615, a stator 630, and magnets 620 and 625. The machine in FIG. 6can be, for example, a wind turbine generator. In some embodiments, thelaminated composite assemblies and/or machine segments of FIGS. 1-4 fcan be a portion of a laminated composite assembly defining a machinewinding in a stator (e.g., stator 630). In some embodiments, segmentedmachine 500 can be stator 630. Further details regarding generators andmachine windings are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 7,109,625, issued Sep.19, 2006, and entitled “Conductor Optimized Axial Field Rotary EnergyDevice,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, drive shaft 605 can be fixedly coupled to rotorsegments 610, 615 (formed of a magnetically permeable material such assteel), and magnets 620, 625 can be fixedly coupled to rotor segments610, 615. The end of drive shaft 605 that is not fixedly coupled torotors 610, 615 can protrude through an opening of the generatorhousing. In some embodiments, the protruding end of drive shaft 605 canbe coupled to an exterior device, such as blades of a wind turbine. Whenwind causes the blades of the wind turbine to move, drive shaft 605rotates, causing rotor segments 610, 615 to rotate, in turn causingmagnets 620, 625 to rotate.

Magnets 620, 625 can be rings that have poles N and S that alternatearound the ring. In some embodiments, magnets 620, 625 can be made ofindividual segments. Magnets 620, 625 can be magnetic material includingrare earth metals such as alloys of neodymium, iron, and/or boron.Magnets 620, 625 can have any even number of poles.

Stator 630 can be a laminated composite assembly, including a PCB, withconductive layers that are electrically coupled with electricalinterconnects as described with respect to the previous figures. Thestator 630 can be a segmented stator, for example, and can include anynumber of stator portions. For example, segmented machine 500 of FIG. 5can be stator 630. Each stator portion can include at least onelaminated composite assembly (e.g., at least one PCB), such as, forexample, those described herein with respect to FIGS. 1-4 f. Forexample, the laminated composite assembly 200 described with respect toFIG. 2a , can form a stator portion of a segmented stator. Multiplelaminated composite assemblies 200 can be coupled together to form asegmented stator. As previously described, machine segments 305, 310,315 of FIGS. 3a and 400, 415, 430, 445, 460, 475 of FIGS. 4a-4f can belaminated composite assemblies, such as laminated composite assembly 200of FIG. 2a . As described with respect to FIG. 5, multiple machinesegments can be coupled together to form a segmented stator.

In use, magnets 620 and 625 can be positioned so that an N pole onmagnet 620 faces an S pole on magnet 625. The alternating magnetic polesof magnets 620, 625 generate a circumferentially alternating magneticflux in the air gap formed between the rotor segments 610, 615, wherethe stator is located. A force (e.g., wind) can cause rotation of driveshaft 605 around the axis of rotation, which causes rotor segments 610,615 to rotate with drive shaft 605, in turn causing magnets 620, 625 torotate around drive shaft 605 (i.e., around the axis of rotation 635).The rotation of magnets 620, 625 causes the alternating magnetic flux tomove with respect to the stator 630, which can induce an alternatingvoltage in the phase windings contained in stator 630 (e.g., theconductors of the laminated composite assembly).

In some embodiments, an electrical current can be applied to stator 630,which can produce Lorentz forces between the flowing electrical currentand the magnetic field generated by magnets 620, 625. The resultingtorque can cause rotor segments 610, 615 to rotate, in turn causingdrive shaft 605 to rotate. Thus, in some embodiments, the device in FIG.6 can function as a motor rather than a generator.

In some embodiments, the laminated composite assemblies and/or themachine segments of FIGS. 1-4 f can be a portion of a laminatedcomposite assembly defining a machine winding in a stator (e.g., stator630). The laminated composite assemblies 100 and/or 200 can includeoperative portions on each layer and end turn portions on a subset ofthe layers. As discussed above, the electrical current in the layers oflaminated composite assembly 100, 200 can be induced due to the magnets620, 625 rotating around drive shaft 605.

The embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., the laminated compositeassemblies and/or the winding portions) can be used in at least one ofan axial flux machine, a radial flux machine, a linear machine and/orany other suitable machine. In other embodiments, conductors may beconstructed in a substantially spiral, helical, or other orientationwhere conductive wire is disposed around a core element, which may beformed from a ferromagnetic or non-ferromagnetic material.

In some embodiments, the machine segments described herein can includeone or more protection elements. For example, a protection element, suchas a fuse, circuit breaker, inductor, active or passive filter, diode,and/or the like, can be disposed within the circuits to protect one ormore circuit components. In some embodiments, for example, a protectiveelement can be associated with a coil and can change configuration suchthat electrical current is obstructed or substantially impeded fromflowing through the protective element and/or its associated coil whenabnormal operation is detected (e.g., abnormally high electricalcurrent). In some embodiments, the protective element and/or itsassociated coil are removed from an electrical circuit in the secondconfiguration.

In some embodiments, protection elements can be disposed within amachine segment. For example, laminated composite assembly 200 caninclude one or more protection elements disposed thereon. In someembodiments, protection elements can be disposed outside a machinesegment and within the electrical circuit coupling multiple machinesegments together. For example, protection elements can be disposedwithin the electrical couplings between machine segments shown in FIG.5. Protective elements are described more fully in U.S. Pat. No.8,941,961 to Banerjee, et al., filed Aug. 21, 2013, and entitled“Methods and Apparatus for Protection in a Multi-Phase Machine,” whichis incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. Where methods and/or schematics described above indicatecertain events and/or flow patterns occurring in certain order, theordering of certain events and/or flow patterns may be modified. Whilethe embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will beunderstood that various changes in form and details may be made.

For example, while shown and described above with respect to laminatedcomposite assemblies, the stator portions and/or phase windings canapply to other electrical constructs. For example, the conductorsdescribed herein can be wire-wound windings, which can also defineand/or be aligned in one or more layers.

Although various embodiments have been described as having particularfeatures and/or combinations of components, other embodiments arepossible having a combination of any features and/or components from anyof embodiments as discussed above.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a first machine segmenthaving a first plurality of terminals, each terminal from the firstplurality of terminals configured to electrically removably couple adifferent coil from a first plurality of coils to a first electricalcircuit, the first electrical circuit being external to the firstmachine segment, each coil from the first plurality of coils beingelectrically isolated from the remaining coils from the first pluralityof coils within the first machine segment; and a second machine segmenthaving a second plurality of terminals, each terminal from the secondplurality of terminals configured to electrically removably couple adifferent coil from a second plurality of coils to a second electricalcircuit, the second electrical circuit being external to the secondmachine segment, each coil from the second plurality of coils beingelectrically isolated from the remaining coils from the second pluralityof coils within the second machine segment, the second machine segmentconfigured to be mechanically removably coupled to the first machinesegment to collectively define at least a portion of at least one of astator or a rotor, the second plurality of coils being electricallyisolated from the first plurality of coils within the at least one ofthe stator or the rotor when at least one of the first plurality ofcoils or the second plurality of coils is carrying an electric current.2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the firstelectrical circuit or the second electrical circuit is a powerconverter.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of thefirst electrical circuit or the second electrical circuit is a loadcircuit.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the firstelectrical circuit or the second electrical circuit is a source circuit.5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first electrical circuit is afirst power converter having an input portion and an output portion,each terminal from the first plurality of terminals is configured to beelectrically removably coupled to the input portion of the first powerconverter, the second electrical circuit is a second power converterhaving an input portion and an output portion, each terminal from thesecond plurality of terminals is configured to be electrically removablycoupled to the input portion of the second power converter, the inputportion of the second power converter is electrically isolated from theinput portion of the first power converter, the output portion of thesecond power converter is electrically coupled to the output portion ofthe first power converter.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thefirst electrical circuit is electrically isolated from the secondelectrical circuit, the first electrical circuit is configured toelectrically connect the first plurality of coils external to the firstmachine segment such that the first machine segment forms one of a firstmulti-phase star-connected stator segment or a first multi-phasestar-connected rotor segment, the second electrical circuit isconfigured to electrically connect the second plurality of coilsexternal to the second machine segment such that the second machinesegment forms one of a second multi-phase star-connected stator segmentor a second multi-phase star-connected rotor segment.
 7. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the first electrical circuit is electricallyisolated from the second electrical circuit, the first electricalcircuit is configured to electrically connect the first plurality ofcoils external to the first machine segment such that the first machinesegment forms one of a first multi-phase delta-connected stator segmentor a first multi-phase delta-connected rotor segment, the secondelectrical circuit is configured to electrically connect the secondplurality of coils external to the second machine segment such that thesecond machine segment forms one of a second multi-phase delta-connectedstator segment or a second multi-phase delta-connected rotor segment. 8.An apparatus, comprising: a first machine segment having a coil, thecoil of the first machine segment configured to be electricallyremovably coupled to a first electrical circuit external to the firstmachine segment; and a second machine segment having a coil, the coil ofthe second machine segment configured to be electrically removablycoupled to a second electrical circuit external to the second machinesegment, the second machine segment configured to be mechanicallyremovably coupled to the first machine segment to collectively define aportion of at least one of a stator or a rotor, the second machinesegment being electrically isolated from the first machine segmentwithin the at least one of the stator or the rotor when at least one ofthe coil of the first machine segment or the coil of the second machinesegment is carrying an electric current.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein the first machine segment includes a first plurality of coils,each coil from the first plurality of coils being electrically isolatedwithin the first machine segment from the remaining coils from the firstplurality of coils, each coil from the first plurality of coils beingassociated with a different electrical phase from a plurality ofelectrical phases, the coil of the first machine segment being from thefirst plurality of coils and being associated with an electrical phasefrom the plurality of electrical phases, and the second machine segmentincludes a second plurality of coils, each coil from the secondplurality of coils being electrically isolated within the second machinesegment from the remaining coils from the second plurality of coils,each coil from the second plurality of coils being associated with adifferent electrical phase from the plurality of electrical phases, thecoil of the second machine segment being from the second plurality ofcoils and being associated with the electrical phase from the pluralityof electrical phases.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the firstmachine segment includes a first terminal electrically connected to thecoil of the first machine segment and a second terminal electricallyconnected to the coil of the first machine segment, the first terminalof the first machine segment having a first polarity and the secondterminal of the first machine segment having a second polaritysubstantially opposite the first polarity, at least one of the firstterminal of the first machine segment or the second terminal of thefirst machine segment is configured to electrically removably couple thecoil of the first machine segment to the first electrical circuit, andthe second machine segment includes a first terminal electricallyconnected to the coil of the second machine segment and a secondterminal electrically connected to the coil of the second machinesegment, the first terminal of the second machine segment having thefirst polarity and the second terminal of the second machine segmenthaving the second polarity, at least one of the first terminal of thesecond machine segment or the second terminal of the second machinesegment is configured to electrically removably couple the coil of thesecond machine segment to the second electrical circuit.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 8, wherein the first electrical circuit is a firstpower converter and the second electrical circuit is a second powerconverter, an input of the first power converter being electricallyisolated from an input of the second power converter.
 12. The apparatusof claim 8, wherein the first machine segment includes a protectiveelement disposed within the coil of the first machine segment andconfigured to protect the coil of the first machine segment from atleast one of an excess electrical current, an excess voltage, or anexcess mechanical load, and the second machine segment includes aprotective element disposed within the coil of the second machinesegment and configured to protect the coil of the second machine segmentfrom at least one of an excess electrical current, an excess voltage, oran excess mechanical load.
 13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein thefirst electrical circuit is a source circuit when the first electricalcircuit is in a first configuration and a load circuit when the firstelectrical circuit is in a second configuration, and the secondelectrical circuit is a source circuit when the second electricalcircuit is in a first configuration and a load circuit when the secondelectrical circuit is in a second configuration.
 14. An apparatus,comprising: a first coil included in a machine segment forming a portionof a segmented multi-phase stator, the first coil being associated witha first electrical phase in the segmented multi-phase stator, the firstcoil having a first terminal configured to electrically removably couplethe first coil to a first electrical circuit external to the machinesegment, the first electrical circuit being associated with the firstelectrical phase; a second coil included in the machine segment, thesecond coil being associated with a second electrical phase differentfrom the first electrical phase, the second coil having a secondterminal configured to electrically removably couple the second coil toa second electrical circuit external to the machine segment, the secondelectrical circuit being associated with the second electrical phase;and a third coil included in the machine segment, the third coil beingassociated with a third electrical phase different from the firstelectrical phase and the second electrical phase, the third coil havinga third terminal configured to electrically removably couple the thirdcoil to a third electrical circuit external to the machine segment, thethird electrical circuit being associated with the third electricalphase, the first electrical circuit, the second electrical circuit, andthe third electrical circuit configured to be electrically coupledexternal to the machine segment, each of the first coil, the secondcoil, and the third coil being electrically isolated from the remainingcoils within the segmented multi-phase stator.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein the first electrical circuit, the second electricalcircuit, and the third electrical circuit are electrically coupledexternal to the machine segment to define a multi-phase star-connectedstator segment.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the firstelectrical circuit, the second electrical circuit, and the thirdelectrical circuit are electrically coupled external to the machinesegment to define a multi-phase delta-connected stator segment.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 14, wherein the machine segment is a first machinesegment, the first machine segment configured to be mechanicallyremovably coupled to a second machine segment having a first coilassociated with the first electrical phase, a second coil associatedwith the second electrical phase, and a third coil associated with thethird electrical phase, the first machine segment being electricallyisolated from the second machine segment within the segmentedmulti-phase stator, the first coil of the second machine segment beingelectrically removably coupled to a fourth electrical circuit externalto the second machine segment, the second coil of the second machinesegment being electrically removably coupled to a fifth electricalcircuit external to the second machine segment, and the third coil ofthe second machine segment being electrically removably coupled to asixth circuit external to the second machine segment, the fourthelectrical circuit, the fifth electrical circuit, and the sixthelectrical circuit configured to be electrically coupled external to thesecond machine segment, each of the first coil, the second coil, and thethird coil of the second machine segment being electrically isolatedwithin the segmented multi-phase stator.
 18. The apparatus of claim 14,wherein the first electrical circuit is a first portion of a multi-phasepower converter, the second electrical circuit is a second portion ofthe multi-phase power converter, and the third electrical circuit is athird portion of the multi-phase power converter, the first portion ofthe multi-phase power converter is associated with the first electricalphase, the second portion of the multi-phase power converter isassociated with the second electrical phase, and the third portion ofthe multi-phase power converter is associated with the third electricalphase.
 19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first electricalcircuit is a first portion of a multi-phase power converter having afirst input and a first output, the second electrical circuit is asecond portion of the multi-phase power converter having a second inputand a second output, and the third electrical circuit is a third portionof the multi-phase power converter having a third input and a thirdoutput, the first coil being electrically removably coupled to the firstinput, the second coil being electrically removably coupled to thesecond input, and the third coil being electrically removably coupled tothe third input, each of the first input, the second input, and thethird input being electrically isolated from the remaining inputs of themulti-phase power converter, and each of the first output, the secondoutput, the third output being electrically connected to the remainingoutputs external to the machine segment.
 20. An apparatus, comprising: afirst coil included in a machine segment from a plurality of machinesegments configured to collectively form at least one of a segmentedstator or a segmented rotor of a segmented electromagnetic machine, thefirst coil having a first end portion and a second end portion; a firstterminal included in the machine segment from the plurality of machinesegments and electrically coupled to the first end portion of the firstcoil, the first terminal having a first polarity and configured to beelectrically removably coupled to an input of a power converter externalto the machine segment from the plurality of machine segments; and asecond terminal included in the machine segment from the plurality ofmachine segments and electrically coupled to the second end portion ofthe first coil, the second terminal having a second polarity differentfrom the first polarity and configured to be electrically removablycoupled to an electrical circuit external to the machine segment fromthe plurality of machine segments, the electrical circuit configured toelectrically connect the first coil to at least a second coil includedin the machine segment from the plurality of machine segments, themachine segment from the plurality of machine segments beingelectrically isolated from each remaining machine segment from theplurality of machine segments within the at least one of the segmentedstator or the segmented rotor.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, whereinthe machine segment from the plurality of machine segments includes thefirst coil, the second coil, and a third coil, the first coil beingassociated with a first electrical phase from a plurality of electricalphases, the second coil being associated with a second electrical phasefrom the plurality of electrical phases, and the third coil beingassociated with a third electrical phase from the plurality ofelectrical phases, the electrical circuit external to the machinesegment from the plurality of machine segments configured toelectrically connect the first coil, the second coil, and the third coilto define one of a multi-phase star-connected stator segment or amulti-phase star-connected rotor segment.
 22. The apparatus of claim 20,wherein the machine segment from the plurality of machine segmentsincludes the first coil, the second coil, and a third coil, the firstcoil being associated with a first electrical phase from a plurality ofelectrical phases, the second coil being associated with a secondelectrical phase from the plurality of electrical phases, and the thirdcoil being associated with a third electrical phase from the pluralityof electrical phases, the electrical circuit external to the machinesegment from the plurality of machine segments configured toelectrically connect the first coil, the second coil, and the third coilto define one of a multi-phase delta-connected stator segment or amulti-phase delta-connected rotor segment.
 23. The apparatus of claim20, wherein the input of the power converter is a first input of thepower converter, the second coil is electrically connected to a thirdterminal included in the machine segment from the plurality of machinesegments and configured to electrically connect the second coil to asecond input of the power converter, the second input being electricallyisolated from the first input.
 24. The apparatus of claim 20, whereinthe input of the power converter is a first input of the powerconverter, the second coil is electrically connected to a third terminalincluded in the machine segment from the plurality of machine segmentsand configured to electrically connect the second coil to a second inputof the power converter, the second input being electrically isolatedfrom the first input, and an output of the power converter configured toelectrically connect, external to the machine segment from the pluralityof machine segments, the first coil and the second coil to at least oneof a load circuit or a source circuit.
 25. The apparatus of claim 20,wherein the machine segment from the plurality of machine segments is afirst machine segment from the plurality of machine segments, the powerconverter is a first power converter, and the electrical circuit is afirst electrical circuit, the first machine segment from the pluralityof machine segments configured to be mechanically removably coupled to asecond machine segment from the plurality of machine segments having afirst terminal configured to electrically connect a coil of the secondmachine segment from the plurality of machine segments to an input of asecond power converter and a second terminal configured to electricallyconnect the coil of the second machine segment from the plurality ofmachine segments to a second electrical circuit, the second electricalcircuit being external to the second machine segment from the pluralityof machine segments, the first machine segment from the plurality ofmachine segments being electrically isolated from the second machinesegment from the plurality of machine segments within the at least oneof the segmented stator or segmented rotor.